Kitchen Manager

· About Tessa's House

· Tessa's House is a residential substance use disorder treatment program for women located in Washington, Maine. Our mission is to provide a safe, compassionate, and supportive environment where women can focus on recovery, develop essential life skills, and build a foundation for long-term wellness and independence.

· We believe recovery involves more than clinical treatment. Developing healthy routines, learning practical skills, and building confidence in everyday activities are important parts of creating a sustainable life in recovery.

· Position Summary

· Tessa's House is seeking a dependable, organized, and compassionate Kitchen Manager to oversee daily kitchen operations, ensure food safety and sanitation, coordinate meal planning, and provide hands-on life skills education to women participating in our residential treatment program.

Benefits include health, dental, vision, life insurance and matching retirement plan, earned paid leave

· This is an on-site position that combines kitchen management with direct resident engagement. The Kitchen Manager will be responsible for maintaining a clean, safe, and organized kitchen while helping residents develop practical skills in cooking, nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and budgeting.

· The ideal candidate enjoys teaching others, understands the importance of a supportive and respectful environment, and is comfortable working with individuals in various stages of recovery.

· Essential Duties and Responsibilities· Kitchen Management & Food Safety

· Oversee kitchen operations to ensure a clean, organized, safe, and functional environment.

· Maintain compliance with applicable Maine food safety, sanitation, and residential program requirements.

· Monitor food storage, labeling, expiration dates, and proper food rotation.

· Maintain appropriate refrigerator, freezer, and food temperature logs.

· Establish and monitor kitchen cleaning and sanitation procedures.

· Monitor kitchen equipment and report maintenance or safety concerns.

· Ensure safe storage and handling of kitchen supplies, cleaning products, and food preparation equipment.

· Assist with preparation for health, safety, and licensing inspections.

· Menu Planning & Food Coordination

· Develop nutritious, balanced, and cost-effective menus that meet resident needs and program expectations.

· Coordinate grocery lists, food ordering, purchasing, and inventory management.

· Monitor food expenses and work within the established kitchen budget.

· Accommodate documented food allergies, dietary restrictions, and other nutritional needs in coordination with appropriate staff.

· Support consistent meal preparation routines and food availability throughout the week.

· Promote healthy eating habits and practical approaches to nutrition.

· Resident Life Skills Education

· Facilitate a minimum of 1–2 structured kitchen and life skills groups each week.

· Develop practical, engaging lessons that help residents build confidence and independence in the kitchen.

· Provide hands-on instruction in areas such as:

o Basic cooking and meal preparation

o Kitchen safety and sanitation

o Safe food handling and storage

o Reading recipes and measuring ingredients

o Meal planning and grocery shopping

o Food budgeting and cost-effective meal preparation

o Basic nutrition and healthy eating habits

· Encourage appropriate resident participation in food preparation and kitchen responsibilities.

· Adapt instruction to different experience levels, abilities, and learning styles.

· Maintain appropriate supervision and safety practices during all resident kitchen activities.

· Document group topics, attendance, and participation as required by agency policy.

· Team Collaboration & Communication

· Collaborate with the Clinical Director, Program Manager, residential staff, and other team members to support program operations.

· Communicate kitchen needs, supply concerns, safety issues, and resident-related concerns to appropriate staff.

· Support a structured, respectful, and recovery-oriented residential environment.

· Participate in staff meetings and required training as requested.

· Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and resident confidentiality.

· Qualifications

· Required:

· High school diploma or equivalent.

· Experience in food preparation, kitchen operations, food service, or a related field.

· Knowledge of basic food safety, sanitation, and safe food handling practices.

· Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently.

· Ability to plan meals, manage supplies, and maintain an organized kitchen.

Pay: $22.00 - $24.00 per hour

Expected hours: 32.0 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22 - $24